Island Fantasy

By Kayla Perrin

Shayna Kenyon knows heartbreak. After she catches her fiancé cheating on her the night of their wedding, a reality break in Jamaica is just the pick–me–up this romance author needs. Especially when Shayna arrives at the exclusive resort…and notices the seriously sexy brother checking her out.

In the Caribbean for a wedding, Donovan Deval isn't thinking about making a love connection. But it's time to move on with his life—and that means pursuing Shayna, the exotic beauty who's making his libido leap off the charts! Shayna wants to take it slow, but Donovan's ready to turn up the heat. As passion ignites, he vows to turn their sizzling island paradise into the real thing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Australia
• Release date: Sep 1, 2013
• ISBN: 9781488736087

Kayla Perrin

Kayla Perrin's acclaimed novels include The Sweet Spot, Tell Me You Love Me, and the Essence bestseller Sisters of Theta Phi Kappa. A certified teacher, Kayla also works in the Toronto film industry as an actress, having appeared in many TV shows, commercials, and movies, and was the 2002 recipient of the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Multicultural Romance.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Shayna Kenyon didn’t consider herself a vengeful person. Revenge was not her style. In life, she had been able to turn the other cheek when people had wronged her. Been able to move forward and leave any ugliness in the past.

But last night…A flash of what she’d witnessed with her own two eyes entered her brain, causing her stomach to twist harshly. She couldn’t very well move forward from Vince’s betrayal in the same easy fashion she had moved forward when necessary in the past.

Especially not today.

Today…Oh, Lord help her.

The depth of Vince’s betrayal burned deep in her soul. And the timing of it couldn’t have been worse.

Shayna inhaled a deep, shaky breath. Her eyes misted, but she held back her tears. She had to do what she was about to do. There was no other choice.

Baby, it’s okay, her father said and held her arm a little closer to his side. There’s no need to cry. You’re marrying a man who adores you, and if I do say so myself, you look incredible. You’re my daughter, yes, but I mean it when I say this—you’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen. Other than your mother, he added with a smile. This is your day. Enjoy it.

Enjoy it, Shayna thought sourly. She hadn’t enjoyed anything since last night—and she had the puffy eyes to prove it. She’d told her parents that she’d been too excited to sleep, which wasn’t the truth. She’d been too devastated to truly rest. All night, she had lain awake, alternately crying and contemplating what to do.

Her decision—approved by her sister—was the only thing giving her the power to walk down the aisle. The fact that there would be some satisfaction in what was coming next. It was the only reason she’d gotten all dressed up and spent two hours getting her hair and makeup done. To see the look on Vince’s face when she let him—and all the guests in attendance—know that she knew.

The last of Shayna’s five bridesmaids took her place on the podium. After a few beats of silence, the local singer she and Vince had hired began her rendition of Here I Am by Beyoncé and Eric Benét. Shayna and Vince had opted for something more contemporary as opposed to the traditional organ music signaling the bride’s walk down the aisle.

Shayna swallowed, tears falling from her eyes even though she didn’t want them to. Her father pulled the handkerchief from his breast pocket and dabbed at her cheeks.

Come on, baby, he urged. Everyone’s waiting.

Shayna hesitated a beat, suddenly unsure. But even her sister had encouraged her to do what she was about to do next. Do what you need to do, her younger sister, Brianne, had told her. As far as I’m concerned, Vince deserves much worse than public humiliation.

The singer continued the soulful love ballad, and Shayna knew she should start moving. Through the church’s back door windows, she could see everyone on their feet, waiting for her to take her final walk as a single woman.

The doors opened. She began to move. She was nervous and devastated, and yet she tried to force a smile. Given her state of mind, she wasn’t sure she accomplished her goal.

All around her, people were grinning. Some grinning and crying. This was a wonderful occasion. One she’d waited thirty-two years for. Her family was ecstatic that she’d found the kind of love that lasted a lifetime.

Shayna knew better, and soon everyone else would, too.

While walking down the aisle, Shayna hadn’t allowed herself to look directly at Vince, afraid she would fall apart. But as she neared him, she did. Her stomach lurched with disgust when she saw the tears streaming down his face.

Tears of joy, or tears of shame?

The tears of shame would come soon—that much she was sure of.

Near the pulpit, her father stopped, faced her and dabbed at his own tears before kissing her cheek. I love you, baby, he said.

I love you, too, Shayna said, her voice a whisper.

She hoped her father wouldn’t be upset with her ruse, but she knew his wrath would be for Vince. Vince, who’d behaved like the son her father had never had.

How could you? Shayna wondered, and then took the two steps onto the podium to join her groom.

The singer finished her song. Vince took Shayna’s hands in his, his eyes lighting up with warmth.

Baby, you look amazing, he told her, and Shayna wanted to yank her hands from his grip. She was past the devastation, at least temporarily, and was going on pure anger.

Dearly beloved, the minister intoned. We are gathered here today—

Excuse me, Shayna interrupted, her stomach fluttering. She had known she would speak, but she hadn’t expected it to be just then. But she couldn’t fake it a moment longer. Couldn’t stand the sight of Vince acting like the happy fiancé. I—I need to say something.

The minister looked confused. So did Vince.

But when neither objected, Shayna forged ahead, meeting her fiancé’s tear-filled eyes. "Actually, I have a question for you, sweetheart." She added the last word with much exaggeration.

What, baby? Vince asked, looking and sounding concerned. What is it?

Part of her wanted to turn and run down the aisle. That would be easier than confronting Vince publicly. And yet, she’d made up her mind. Difficult or not, she was going to do what she’d planned.

Do you love me, Vince? Shayna asked. Love me enough that you believe you’re making the right decision by marrying me?

A hum of surprise sounded in the crowd. People were curious now, perhaps some realizing that something wasn’t right.

Of course I do, Vince responded. He squeezed Shayna’s hands tighter and chuckled softly in relief, his tone saying he felt his bride was suffering from last-minute jitters. You know I love you more than anything, baby. You’re the one I want to grow old with. Have children with. Spend the rest of my life with.

There were some, Awwws, and a few people even clapped—that’s how perfect Vince’s answer had been.

Shall I continue? the minister asked. The warm smile on his face said he also believed that Shayna had simply needed reassuring.

Shayna faced the minister. A beat passed. Then she said, Just one more question.

Silence filled the church, so much so that the buzzing of a fly could be heard. Shayna swallowed the lump in her throat so that she could find her voice, aware that everyone was waiting to hear what she had to say.

She straightened her shoulders and said, You love me.

Of course.

"You love me so much you ended up in your car after your bachelor party, making out with a stripper!"

Startled gasps erupted in the pews.

Baby, Vince said. He tried to chuckle, but the sound was hollow. A—a stripper? W-what?

Shayna pulled her hands from the man she was grateful not to be marrying. Don’t you dare try to lie, Vince. I saw you with my own eyes! You were parked right outside the private hall you rented, you jerk. I saw you leave the building with her. I saw you go to your car with her. And I saw what happened after that, too.

Vince said nothing, but Shayna saw the panic in his widened eyes. The disbelief that she could possibly know what he’d done.

Shayna glanced to her left, at her sister, who was her maid of honor. Brianne nodded her encouragement. "And baby, Shayna went on, slowly and clearly, if that’s your definition of love, then I’ll pass on the whole marrying you thing, thank you very much."

Vince’s mouth fell open, but he was too startled to speak. A buzz of surprised chatter instantly filled the church. The groomsmen and bridesmaids all stared at Shayna, stunned looks on their faces. Shayna would answer their questions—but not yet.

Running on adrenaline, Shayna gathered her wide organza skirt in her hands and turned as swiftly as she could. She hustled back down the aisle, aware that all eyes were on her.

She knew she would cry later, but for that moment, as she neared the back doors of the church, she smiled.

Vince Danbury may have had a scandalously good time last night, but Shayna had just had the last laugh.

Chapter 2

"You’re still going on your honeymoon?" Brianne asked Shayna later that afternoon, the look on her face saying she thought her sister was crazy.

"I’m not going on my honeymoon, Shayna clarified. She was running her fingers through her shoulder-length hair, trying to loosen the tight spiral curls the hairdresser had done such a great job of creating for her wedding. A honeymoon requires two people who just tied the knot."

You know what I mean, Brianne said. "You still plan to go to Jamaica tomorrow—the trip that was supposed to be your honeymoon?"

Seven days in Jamaica? Of course I’m going.

Brianne placed her hands on her hips as she stared at Shayna, who sat on the edge of Brianne’s bed. You’re serious.

Shayna didn’t respond. Instead, her eyes traveled over her sister—from the white orchid adorning her short black hair to the pale yellow maid of honor dress. "Do me a favor, sis?

Take that dress off, please? Her wedding dress had been the first thing Shayna had taken off when she’d gotten to her parents’ house, slipping into a pair of her sister’s shorts and a T-shirt. I really don’t want any reminders of Vince."

Oh. Brianne smoothed her hands over the dress. Right. She reached behind her to drag down the zipper. Such a shame I didn’t get to wear this all day. After all that weight I lost for your wedding…

Her sister did look fabulous. At the beginning of the year, she’d started a diet and rigorous workout routine to get in better shape for Shayna’s wedding. She’d lost thirty-five pounds.

Brianne walked toward the closet, shimmying the dress off her shoulders. She found a red sundress with a formfitting halter neck and slipped into that.

Brianne twirled around, facing Shayna again in the casual dress. Better?

Shayna nodded. Yes. Except for the flower.

Brianne pulled the flower from her hair and tossed it onto her dresser. Now, back to your trip—

Yes, I’m going.

But you’re grieving, Brianne protested. This isn’t the time to go on a trip alone.

Why not?

Because you hate even going to a movie alone, Brianne pointed out. I can’t see you going on a trip by yourself.

Well, I am.

The look Brianne flashed her sister was full of doubt. She thought Shayna was bluffing.

I’m a big girl, Shayna went on. I’m entitled.

I know, but—

But what? You think I’m going to do something crazy?

Maybe you will, Brianne said, but her tone quavered, indicating she didn’t believe her sister would do anything out of character. Maybe you’ll end up marrying the first man who hits on you.

Shayna laughed out loud at that.

Don’t laugh. Remember that happened to my friend Gloria’s friend’s sister.

Shayna scowled at Brianne. That was in Vegas, and she was drunk and on the rebound.

You’re on the rebound.

Rebound? Already? Shayna’s heart spasmed, but somehow, she found the strength to force a laugh. Right now I should be at the park, taking perfect wedding photos with that expensive photographer Daddy hired. Instead… Her voice trailed off. She couldn’t go on, or she would cry. Bree, the way I feel right now, if I never see another man, it’ll be too soon. Trust me.

Brianne took a seat beside Shayna on the bed. Shay, I’m so sorry. Part of me wishes I’d never suggested we drive by that hall to see what the groomsmen were up to.

And if we hadn’t, I’d be married right now—not knowing that my husband was a dirty cheating jerk. The anger helped Shayna hold back any tears. No, I’m glad you suggested it. Everything happens for a reason, and in this case, it was to spare me the pain of marrying the wrong man. Shayna was amazed at how calmly and rationally she was dealing with the situation, but she truly believed that nothing good came of fretting over something she couldn’t control. I don’t want to be married for the sake of being married. I need to be with a man who loves and adores me enough not to sleep with some stripper he just met. To know—even if he was drunk—that no other woman could ever tempt him away from the woman who’s in his heart.

Brianne shook her head, the look on her face suddenly venomous. I still can’t believe Vince could do that. If we hadn’t witnessed it, I never would have believed him capable of that kind of betrayal.

Me neither, Shayna said softly. And the night before our wedding? That’s the reason I need to go away. I can’t be around here, see all the places we liked to go to. I can’t deal with the calls from everyone. I’m holding it together now, but I know at some point I’m going to fall apart.

Which is why you need to be with your family. People who love you.

Shayna smiled, loving her sister for caring so much, though if the situation were reversed, Shayna would be saying the same thing to Brianne. They were eighteen months apart, but as close as twins. They’d been there for each other through every triumph and tragedy in each other’s lives.

Like when Brianne had lost her boyfriend, Carter. Three years ago, Carter had vanished while hiking in the Rockies. After weeks of searching for him and finding only his backpack, the authorities came to the conclusion that he’d likely died of exposure, and that coyotes or other wildlife must have eaten his remains. It had been the worst time of Brianne’s life—after which she’d turned to food for comfort. Shayna had been there for her sister through the entire harrowing ordeal.

I know how much you love me, Shayna said, smiling softly. And I appreciate you caring for me. But I need some time for myself. Time to reflect on everything. Time to lie in bed and do nothing if I don’t want to. Time to sit on the beach and read all those books I thought I’d never have time to read. Time to just…get away from it all.

You’re sure? Brianne asked.

Yes, I’m sure, Shayna said, feigning a confidence she didn’t feel. ‘Still I rise,’ she went on, quoting Maya Angelou. I’m a strong black woman. This is a setback in my life, but it won’t keep me down. And hey, the trip is paid for. I’m pretty certain Vince won’t be going. But I’ll gain some small measure of satisfaction knowing that his money will fund my seven days in paradise.

Serves the idiot right, Brianne said.

Shayna hugged her sister, long and hard, then got to her feet. I’d love to stay and chat, but I’ve got to go home and pack.

That wasn’t entirely true. Shayna was mostly packed already, and her flight wasn’t until the next afternoon. But she was ready to be alone.

Besides, Shayna continued, the limo driver’s not going to want to wait all day. He’d driven her to the church, and he’d driven her back to her parents’ place. It was a painful reminder of the wedding that never was, but the car had been paid for. Might as well utilize it.

Let me at least walk you to the door.

Shayna caught her reflection in Brianne’s dresser mirror. Her makeup was exquisite—and totally illogical given the oversize T-shirt she was wearing. She would look even more out of place when she got into the limo like this, but she needed to get home.

She and Brianne headed out of the bedroom and downstairs to the front door of their parents’ home. Shayna had already had time with her parents and Vince’s, time to explain in more detail what had happened last night with Vince and why she wouldn’t be marrying him. Now, all four parents had gone off to speak with Vince, most likely to try and talk some sense into his senseless brain. It didn’t matter what they said—Shayna wouldn’t forgive him, and there would be no rescheduled wedding date.

When Shayna and Brianne got to the front door, Brianne suddenly said, If you want, I can see if I can call in sick to work and put the trip on my credit card so I can go with you.

Shayna wrapped her arms around Brianne and hugged her. Hugged her until she felt emotion clog her throat. I love you for caring, Shayna said. "I really do.